Legal secretary holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Mount Marty University • Today is National Paralegal Day!
Amelia Benoit, 31, is earning her Paralegal certificate at Inver Hills Community College. Amy is looking forward to graduating from Inver Hills in August 2025. She maintains a 4.0 GPA while working full-time as a legal secretary in the Adult Prosecution Division of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office in Minneapolis.
“Prior to last year, being a paralegal was not on my radar,” Amy said. “I have been wanting to be a criminal prosecutor since college. I did not want to commit my time and money to law school without being certain of my decision, so I gathered extensive feedback from attorneys I work with.”
Amy related that she ultimately concluded criminal prosecutors in Hennepin County (where she hopes to stay) do not have the work-life balance she desires.
“I have decided to pursue a Paralegal certificate at Inver because I am often complimented on my attention to detail, memory, critical thinking, organizational skills, writing skills, and time management—skills successful paralegals possess,” she said. “Furthermore, this certificate will aid in advancement opportunities. I would like to work as a paralegal in criminal prosecution, but I’m open to other areas.”
Amy holds a B.A. in Criminal Justice with minors in Psychology and Human Services from Mount Marty University in Yankton, South Dakota. She also accrued an extensive science background at Mount Marty, graduating summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA in her major and minors and a 3.778 GPA overall.
Before starting at the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office in January 2023, Amy worked as a legal secretary at Lind, Jensen, Sullivan & Peterson, a law firm in Minneapolis. She has worked at different firms for more than eight years, obtaining experience in creditors’ rights, civil litigation defense, and criminal prosecution.
National Paralegal Day
October 23, 2024
History of National Paralegal Day…¹
National Paralegal Day, an annual event on October 23, celebrates those who do the legal research (and mountains of paperwork) that enables law firms to function. Attorneys, who are ultimately responsible for a paralegal’s work, depend greatly on these men and women to get things right. That means having a firm grasp on the facts and the law.
Whether you call yourself a paralegal or a legal assistant, the work is basically the same—to be an essential part of an attorney’s administrative team. As the need for attorneys continues to grow, skilled paralegals are increasingly in demand. If you’re currently working in the profession or considering working as a paralegal in the future, National Paralegal Day has abundant information to get you up to speed on what the job entails and what kinds of certifications (if any) are required.
As far back as the early 1970s, interest was stirred about the need for an organized group of paralegals and legal assistants. This challenging job involves preparing and copying boatloads of legal documents like wills, real estate closings, affidavits and more, assisting attorneys with cases and trial prep and working with clients.
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More about Amy…
Originally from Comfrey, Minnesota, a town of nearly 400 people in southwest Minnesota, Amy graduated from Springfield High School, Class of 2011. She and her husband, Marcus, were married in August 2021. Marcus is a journeyman electrician.
“We don’t have kids or pets yet, although I grew up with five cats and one dog—all at once!” Amy said.
Amy’s hobbies include reading, hiking, working out, podcasts, cooking and eating, attending plays and comedy shows, exploring new places, observing squirrels and other creatures in her backyard, streaming shows, and spending time with family and friends.
“I have read every day since 2022,” she said, “and I read mostly personal development books and books about any topics I want to learn more about. I read eighty-five books in 2023 and took detailed notes about each one. I have an educational blog called Read Learn Share.”
Amy noted that she attends monthly group hikes with friends and strangers and enjoys exploring parks. Her favorite hike so far was at Rocky Mountain National Park last year with her husband.
“I enjoy trying new foods and coming up with my own recipes based off of my dietary needs and cooking shows I have seen,” she added. “I especially enjoy streaming cooking shows featuring Gordon Ramsay.”
Amy and Marcus reside in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota.
Amy Benoit life gallery
Faculty perspective: Jamy Barreau, JD, LLM
“I am writing to offer my highest recommendation for Ms. Amy Benoit, who has been a student in both my Employment Law and Legal Writing and Analysis courses at Inver Hills Community College. Throughout my time working with Ms. Benoit, I have found her to be an exceptionally well-studied, professional, and passionate individual.
“Ms. Benoit consistently comes to class prepared, often exceeding expectations in her assignments and classroom participation and providing legal analysis. Her thoughtful contributions have been an inspiration to her colleagues, and her dedication to her studies is evident in her thorough understanding of the course material. In addition, her professional demeanor and attention to detail have made her a standout student in both her legal writing and employment law studies.
“I am confident that Ms. Benoit will continue to excel in all her future endeavors, and I have no doubt she will be an asset to any professional environment.”
Jamy Barreau, JD, LLM
Paralegal Faculty
Inver Hills Community College
Amy Benoit • Q & A
What inspired you to pursue a career in the legal field?
I’ve always been interested in the legal field due to my skillset. When exploring careers in the criminal justice field, I decided it seemed like the safest bet for a work-life balance.
What do you like best about the Paralegal program at Inver Hills?
Definitely the professors! They have a wealth of knowledge and are interested in getting to know students.
How has your experience as legal secretary helped you navigate the Paralegal program curriculum?
My various experiences in the legal field have assisted in a better understanding of many areas of the law and legal processes, which has given me an advantage over others who are new to the legal profession.
Three words that describe you as a legal professional:
DETAIL-ORIENTED. ORGANIZED. INDEPENDENT.
What do you enjoy most about your job as a legal secretary in the Adult Prosecution Division of the Hennepin County Attorney’s Office?
I know that my job is purposeful, and I feel that I am making a difference. Aside from meaningful work, my favorite aspect of my job is that my team is knowledgeable, dependable, supportive, and collaborative. I also enjoy the people I work with, the variety of work (every day is different), and that I am able to utilize many of my skills.
What advice would you give students thinking about majoring in paralegal studies?
Be fully committed. Know that it is not going to be easy, and you will need to make sacrifices in how you spend your time (especially if working full-time), but it will be worth it. Time management is so important with the paralegal program and when working in the legal field!
Take notes and re-read anything you didn’t completely understand the first time. If you are struggling to understand a case, search for a brief online to aid in your understanding of the main issues, analyses, and conclusions.
What person has influenced your life the most and why?
My mom—she has been there to support me and guide me through life’s challenges. She has encouraged me to pursue opportunities I have taken (including this Paralegal program), and she pushes me to do the best I can do.
If you could make one thing happen on Earth right now, what would it be?
Cure all illnesses or end poverty.
One word that best describes your experience at Inver Hills:
INSPIRING*
* Seriously, the knowledge of the professors and students, coupled with overcoming self-doubt, has been inspiring! Based on feedback from others I know who completed other paralegal programs, this program is very in-depth and is preparing students for success.
Amy Benoit • 12 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Hiking in a park or walking on my treadmill—I especially enjoy using iFit on my treadmill to explore other parts of the world
Place you would most like to visit: Rome- Most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Zip-lining in a rainforest in Belize
- Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Pay off our house 2) Travel the world 3) Donate to charities I want to support
- Best book or movie you’ve read or seen lately: The Book You Want Everyone You Love to Read: Sane and Sage Advice to Help You Navigate All of Your Most Important Relationships by Philippa Perry OR The Sun Does Shine by Anthony Ray Hinton
- Time period (past or future) you would explore if you could time travel: 1700s—it would be interesting to see the Industrial Revolution
- One thing you most want to accomplish in your life: Continue to have an impact on other people
Your national bird if you were your own country: Bald eagle- Dream occupation: To be decided! I have discerned out of what I thought my dream occupations were (forensic scientist, criminal prosecutor, or FBI special agent)
- Person you would most like to meet: The Pope or Jesus Christ
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: I’ve always wanted to participate in a game show! Otherwise, I wish I could play piano impressively without sheet music, although I don’t currently play piano…
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: The lack of family structure, e.g., absent fathers, is a crucial issue facing humankind; it impacts poverty rates, emotional and behavioral issues, high school dropout rates, and crime and prison rates—all important issues facing humankind
Learn more about the Paralegal program at Inver Hills Community College by contacting:
Admissions Team
admissions@inverhills.edu
651-450-3902
866-576-0689
College Center
- Want more information? Fill out an inquiry form.
- Ready to apply? Fill out an application.
- Want to virtually visit campus? Check out our upcoming visit opportunities.
- Can’t make it to campus? Take our virtual tour.
Want to connect with an advisor? Check out our virtual drop-in hours or email admissions@inverhills.edu to request a campus-based or phone appointment.
More about the Paralegal program…
Approved by the American Bar Association since 1978, the Paralegal program at Inver Hills Community College prepares you to work under the supervision of attorneys in civil and criminal matters. Paralegals work in a range of legal practices such as probate, wills and estates, real estate, employment law, transactional, criminal law, and corporate law.
Please note that paralegals cannot give legal advice, represent clients in court, or otherwise engage in the unauthorized practice of law. The practice of law by non-attorneys is strictly prohibited by law.
As a graduate of the Paralegal program, you will have completed quality, practical coursework primarily in an online synchronous class format along with a paralegal internship. You will be equipped to assume the general and ethical responsibilities of a professional paralegal.
Awards
Paralegal Associate of Science (A.S.): 60 credits
Paralegal certificate: 30 credits>>> Paralegal program planning guide
Why enroll in the Paralegal program at Inver Hills?
Outstanding career outlook.
Paralegals in Minnesota earn more than $30 an hour on average with top earners in the Twin Cities area topping $40 an hour. The job outlook statewide is impressive, posting a growth rate approaching 11 percent.Cutting-edge legal technology.
You will sharpen your paralegal skill set using Westlaw for online legal research, the National Society for Legal Technology for top legal software programs, and e-filing and e-recording for state and federal court systems.Topflight professional oversight.
A dedicated, diverse Paralegal Advisory Committee of legal professionals supports our program to keep our curriculum up to date on legal trends.ABA approved to ensure quality.
Our Paralegal program is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) with continual re-approval since 1978.Highly rated, experienced faculty.
Our instructors have extensive legal backgrounds in their practice areas, considerable teaching experience, and a strong commitment to students.Reputation for excellence.
Top-rated program by area legal employers, legal recruiters, and internship supervisors. Our program coordinator is an experienced instructor and attorney with a passion for student success.Your doorway to the legal profession.
Paralegals are legal professionals trained to assist lawyers in a broad range of substantive legal work. Paralegals find careers in a number of fields, including professional, scientific, and technical services as well as the management and administration of organizations.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
What Paralegals and Legal Assistants Do
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by performing a variety of tasks, such as maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents. Learn more…
Work Environment
Paralegals and legal assistants typically work in offices for a variety of employers, including law firms and government agencies. Most work full time. Learn more…
How to Become a Paralegal or Legal Assistant
Paralegals and legal assistants typically need an associate’s degree or certificate in paralegal studies to enter the occupation. Some employers prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree; others may consider candidates who have a high school diploma and experience. Learn more…
Pay
The median annual wage for paralegals and legal assistants was $60,970 in May 2023. Learn more…
Job Outlook
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 1 percent from 2023 to 2033, slower than the average for all occupations.
Despite limited employment growth, about 37,300 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Learn more…
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about paralegals and legal assistants by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations. Learn more…
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook (October 23, 2024)
